Retractable and deployable panel

Abstract

A system for the retraction and deployment of a panel is disclosed having a first planar surface beneath which is disposed a support structure; a panel; and an opening disposed in the first planar section which is configured to receive the panel into a closed position disposed in the opening and substantially co-planar with the first planar surface. Also provided is at least one slider assembly, comprising a stationary component and a sliding component, the stationary component coupled to the support structure and disposed at a sloping angle, the sliding component coupled to the panel at a hinge point such that the panel is rotable between a co-planar closed position angle and the sloping angle, and when the sliding component is fully extended is slidable on the slider assembly at the sloping angle to a stowed position. According to this embodiment the panel is movable between the stowed position wherein the panel is pitched at a stowed position angle equal to the sloping angle and the closed position by lifting the panel from either position, rotating the panel to match the angle of the other position, and lowering the panel into the other position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for the retraction and deployment of a panel, said system comprising: 
 a first planar surface beneath which is disposed a support structure; a panel;    an opening disposed in said first planar surface which is configured to receive said panel into a closed position disposed in said opening and substantially co-planar with said first planar surface;    at least one slider assembly, comprising a stationary component and a sliding component, said stationary component coupled to said support structure and disposed at a sloping angle, said sliding component coupled to said panel at a hinge point such that said panel is rotable between a co-planar closed position angle and said sloping angle, and when said sliding component is fully extended is slidable on said slider assembly at said sloping angle to a stowed position; and    said panel being movable between said stowed position wherein said panel is pitched at a stowed position angle equal to said sloping angle and said closed position by lifting said panel from either position, rotating said panel to match the angle of the other position, and lowering said panel into the other position.    
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one panel edge support disposed beneath said first planar surface, such that when said panel is in said closed position, said panel is supported by said panel edge support.  
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2  wherein said panel edge support is a lip disposed around the edge of said opening.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 2  wherein said at least one panel edge support comprises a plurality of panel edge supports.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 2  wherein said at least one panel edge support comprises first and second panel edge supports oppositely disposed, said first and second edge supports being separated by first and second gaps disposed proximate to said hinge point.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said opening is a geometric shape chosen from the group of geometric shapes consisting of squares, oblongs, triangles, ovals, and circles.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said opening is bounded by said first planar surface on three sides.  
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said front edge of said panel and said front edge of said opening have mating profiles.  
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8  wherein said mating profiles are at an angle equal to said sloping angle.  
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a support member to which one central said slider assembly is attached, said support board being attached at a sloping angle to said support structure.  
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 1 , a first end of said stationary component being pivotally attached to said support structure, a second end of said stationary component bearing on at least one adjustable support attached to said support structure, said adjustable support having means for adjusting said sloping angle of said stationary components.  
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said first planar surface comprises a planar surface selected from the group of planar surfaces consisting of desktops, kiosks, work stations, work benches, plane or boat bulkheads, floors, library tables, conference tables, credenzas, dressing tables, vanities, commodes, benches, seats of chairs, chests, secretaries, occasional tables, kitchen counters, hatches, floors, roads, sidewalks, pavement, and lawns.  
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second planar surface parallel to said first planar surface and disposed beneath said panel.  
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said second planar surface is stationary.  
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said second planar surface is slidable.  
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second planar surface parallel to said first planar surface and disposed beneath said opening.  
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said second planar surface is stationary.  
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said second planar surface is slidable.  
     
     
         19 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one sliding assembly comprises a plurality of sliding assemblies.  
     
     
         20 . The system according to  claim 19  wherein a reinforcing member connects said plurality of sliding components.  
     
     
         21 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said panel is at least one panel selected from a group of panels consisting of solar panels, work surfaces, covers, hatch covers, access panels, seats, and manhole covers.  
     
     
         22 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising storage compartments disposed beneath said panel when said panel is in said closed position and revealed when said panel is in said stowed position.  
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 1  further comprising storage compartments disposed beneath said panel when said panel is in said closed position and is stowed when said panel is in said stowed position.  
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said hinge point is not lower than the plane of the planar surface when said slider assembly is extended to said upper limit.  
     
     
         25 . A system for the retraction and deployment of a panel, said system comprising: 
 a first planar surface beneath which is disposed a support structure;    a panel selected from a group of panels consisting of solar panels, work surfaces, covers, hatch covers, access panels, seats, manhole covers;    an opening disposed in said first planar surface which is configured to receive said panel into a closed position disposed in said opening and substantially co-planar with said first planar surface;    at least one slider assembly, comprising a stationary component and a sliding component, said stationary component coupled to said support structure and disposed at a sloping angle, said sliding component coupled to said panel at a hinge point such that said panel is rotable between a co-planar closed position angle and said sloping angle, and when said sliding component is fully extended is slidable on said slider assembly at said sloping angle to a stowed position; and    said panel being movable between said stowed position wherein said panel is pitched at a stowed position angle equal to said sloping angle and said closed position by lifting said panel from either position, rotating said panel to match the angle of the other position, and lowering said panel into the other position.    
     
     
         26 . A system disposable beneath a planar surface for closure and opening of an opening in said planar surface configured to receive a panel, said system comprising: 
 a support structure configured to be disposed below said planar surface;    at least one hinged panel attach point to which said panel may be mounted and whereby said panel may be positioned in a closed position disposed in said opening and substantially co-planar with said first planar surface;    at least one slider assembly, comprising a stationary component and a sliding component, said stationary component coupled to said support structure and disposed at a sloping angle, said sliding component coupled to said hinged panel attach point such that said hinged panel attach point is rotable between a co-planar closed position angle and said sloping angle, and when said sliding component is fully extended is slidable on said slider assembly at said sloping angle to a stowed position; and    said hinged panel attach point being movable between said stowed position, wherein said hinged panel attach point is pitched at a stowed position angle equal to said sloping angle, and said closed position by lifting said hinged panel attach point from either position, rotating said hinged panel attach point to match the angle of the other position, and lowering said hinged panel attach point into the other position.